Steve “Mongo” McMichael wants to be remembered for what he did on the field. His ALS diagnosis broke the hearts of the Chicago faithful. His time spent in Chicago was what made him such a memorable player and character in the NFL. He had a stellar career and his reputation as one of the legendary players in the Chicago Bears franchise endured him to millions of fans and pundits alike. Chicago has not had the best record in the NFL since his departure from the sport of football. His career is one that any NFL player should look to emulate.
Where did Steve “Mongo” McMichael come from?
Steve McMichael was drafted in 1980 by the New England Patriots in the third round. His size and ability made him a target for any teams looking to tighten up their defense. His time in New England would not prove to be a fruitful for McMichael. He was then released by the Patriots which allowed the Bears to sign him to their franchise. Which proved to be a masterful move by Chicago.
The Chicago Bears were starting a new era in 1980. The team had missed the previous two seasons playoffs and were determined to reinvent the organisation. Their charismatic coach, Mike Ditka, was a former Bears player and tight end. They seemed to get the timing just right as the Chicago Bears became a force in the NFL over the years that would come.
Their success culminated in the when in 1985, they won Super Bowl XX. Ironically for McMichael, the team they would face in that game would be the New England Patriots. They would beat the Patriots in that game by 46 –10. McMichael was an integral part of that Super Bowl winning team and the overall grit and tough defense the Bears were known for.
What did “Mongo” end up doing after the NFL?
His career in the NFL was truly a remarkable and one that any player could be proud of. In his time in Chicago he managed 92.5 sacks and ranks second in the Bears history of sacks. His reputation and fierceness on the field was evident. Players were just built differently back then. He was often in the shadow of his Hall of Fame teammates Singletary and Dent.
Regardless of that, Coach Mike Ditka said McMichael was the toughest player he ever coached. For a coach that was a defensive tight end himself, that was the highest praise that McMichael could have gotten. After spending most of his career in Chicago, he then chose to spend one last year in the NFL playing for the Green Bay Packers. Where he was loved as well.
One could have never imagined what he would do after that. He then proceeded to become a professional wrestler in what we now know as the WWE. Back then it was still known as the WCW and McMichael became a legend there as well. Partnering up with Ric Flair of all people. So Steve “Mongo” McMichael was known for his whole life as a seriously tough guy.
He wants us to remember him by what he did on the field.
Steve “Mongo” McMichael was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2024 and stated that he wants to be remembered by his career on the football field. With the draft encapsulating the attention of the NFL this year, it was a timely induction that many say should have happened years ago. The new season in the NFL has a whole lot of changes being implemented with many more on the discussion table. We will all honour Steve “Mongo” McMichael and remember him for his remarkable career, just how he wanted it.
